Brandy got into a fight

[doggymad]

So over the xmas period we drove to my in-laws who live in another European country. As soon as we arrived, Brandy gets out of the car and in true boxer-style excitedly greets my in-laws. 2 minutes later she sped out of the drive because she smelt a dog. Within 5 seconds the foxterrier had attacked Brandy, and Brandy fought back a little too. We managed to stop it, and luckily none of them was hurt. It was the first time that Brandy ever showed anything other than affection, and also the first time that a dog was aggressive towards her. So I've been worried sick it will happen again and have been trying to think why the dog was aggressive to Brandy. Do you think that because she has just arrived from another place she smelt differently, or what?

 

[heidiho]

I'n not too familiar with terriers, but I believe they tend to be a little aggressive or "feisty". Dog fights are scary. My previous dog, General, was attacked by a Pit Bull at a campground. Neither dog landed a bite but the violence and noise was scary. During the fight the pit also went after my mom and General was all over him. However, when it was over, there was no doubt in my mind that my silly, affectionate Boxer would protect when it was needed. He definately had it in him. I wasn't able to get any sleep that night, the fight kept replaying in my mind. The next day we were entered in an agility trial at our fair and he nailed it. I was so proud of him. We both went home and took a good nap. Don't care to ever witness a real dog fight again.

 

[heartsong12]

Who owned the foxterrier? Could it have been territorial?

 

[beausmommy]

I had a similar experience over Christmas. My brother's Jack Russell Terrier and Beau got in a tiff over a toy. Bailey lies down when Beau gets aggressive, but my brother's dog lunged at Beau and growled. Even after it was all over, my brother's dog kept growling at him every time he was near. After Bailey and Beau fight, all is forgiven and they play. Not so with my brother's pup. I do believe it has something to do with the breeds. Terriers tend to have a bit of the big dog syndrome.

 

[doggymad]

Thanks everyone for your answers. The fox terrier belongs to a neighbour of my in-laws, and she was very apologetic and said the dog had never done that before. From all this I conclude it was "an accident waiting to happen":
1. Brandy was on his territory
2. She was clearly the new dog on the block and she smelt of "new"
3. The fox terrier thought she was going to go for his owner
4. The fox terrier did not appreciate her Boxer-style greetings!

A lesson learnt, but I am now petrified of dogs I don't know!